The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis: All You Need to Know

Friday, February 16, 2018

The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis: All You Need to Know

Reverse osmosis (R/O) is a water treatment process in which water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that has very small holes or "pores." Clean water passes through and impurities that are too big to pass through the membrane are left behind and flushed away. Reverse osmosis has a number of health benefits as well. As a water purifier installer in Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas for over 20 years, we at WaterSmart have learned that education is more important than making a sale. We want to equip you with the knowledge so that your family can be equipped with the right tools and information to keep your water soft and your home's plumbing in order. If you are interested in reverse osmosis as a water solution for your home, contact the local experts at WaterSmart today.

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"I just want to thank you, Derek, Paul, and Ben for your continuing support with my house of horrors. I wouldn't know what to do without you. You've been professional, available for all my plumbing and osmosis system needs, and I am so grateful to have found such a great company who does solid work; even with a smile when the work is not the nicest." - Tarryn Chan

Reverse osmosis, as mentioned above, is a water treatment process in which water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that has very small holes or "pores." Clean water passes through and impurities that are too big to pass through the membrane are left behind and flushed away. According to Engineering at Dartmouth, reverse osmosis was actually invented by a French physicist, Jean Antoine Nollet in the eighteenth century. However, it wasn't until 1969 that it started to be used as a commercial application when Dean Spatz used the process to separate maple sugar from sap. From there it has become a key process used in water filtration.

Check out this video to see how reverse osmosis works:

Health Benefits of Reverse Osmosis

Because reverse osmosis uses a chemical treatment process to apply pressure to the water, through a series of specialized membranes, it allows foreign substances, molecules, and minerals to be removed. This process creates pure water that leads to a number of health benefits.

1. Free of Lead

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reverse osmosis can effectively remove lead, making highly contaminated water safe for drinking. Lead can be very dangerous in high amounts, and can even lead to brain damage in children. However, in smaller amounts it can lead to increased blood pressure, problems with fertility, nerve and muscle damage, and more. Be sure to have your water tested and install a reverse osmosis system if you believe you may have a problem with lead in your water.

2. Safe For Cancer Patients

Cancer patients can consume reverse osmosis purified water during and after cancer treatment. During chemo and radiation, cancer patients have weakened immune systems. Untreated water, while often deemed harmless, can cause serious infections when immunity is compromised in cancer patients. Reverse osmosis purifies the water to the point that it is safe for cancer patients before, during, and after treatment.

3. Filters Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a parasite found in contaminated water. According to the CDC, reverse osmosis removes this contaminant. If water is not treated and this parasite is ingested, it can affect the small intestines causing nausea, fever, and diarrhea. In children, symptoms can be more severe.

4. Removes Sodium

Because of the special membranes that are a part of the reverse osmosis filtering system, large sodium molecules cannot pass through the membranes. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or any other cause for sodium restrictions, you will want to ensure to have a reverse osmosis system installed in your home.

What Is The Best Reverse Osmosis System To Purchase?

There are many different brands of reverse osmosis systems to purchase. It is important to buy one that is high quality and also includes a carbon filter to block dangerous chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine which are small enough to pass through the reverse osmosis filter. At WaterSmart we sell, install and service Duro Reverse Osmosis systems. These high-quality systems come with both a pre and a post carbon filter. Click here to learn more about our high quality Duro system or contact us today to see what is the best system for you.